Evergreen Trees For
Christmas Trees
Roman And
Egyptian Customs
Traditional Christmas trees are a much-adored emblem, straight away
envisioning presents and family cheer. There are numerous delightful associations with ancient traditions. Roman
and Egyptian customs, early Christian practices and Victorian nostalgia all combine to give us our contemporary
festive Christmas trees.
Bulgarian Fir
Greek Fir Abies Cephalonica
The Greek Fir Abies Cephalonica is a fir native to the mountains of
Greece, predominantly in the Peloponnesos and the island of Kefallinia, intergrading with the closely related
Bulgarian Fir further north in the Pindus Mountains of northern Greece. Greek Firs, Abies Cephalonica are
medium-size evergreen coniferous trees growing to 25-35m, occasionally to 40m tall and with a trunk of up to 1m
diameter and are frequently used as a Christmas trees.
Norway Spruce Christmas
Trees
Pine Tree And Sacred Fir-Tree
Ancient Greeks called
the tree "Pitys" and, collectively with the pine-tree, were sacred to Pan. Legend reminds us that Pan was once
besotted with a nymph called Pity, as also was the god of the North wind. Pity selected Pan and the wind god, who
insulted, humiliated, and blew her over a gorge to her death. Pan discovered her lifeless body and made her into
his sacred Fir-tree. From that day, whenever the North wind blows, you can hear Pity crying, with her tears being
the droplets of pitch that seep out from the fir-cones every autumn / fall.
Revered And Potent
Great Tree of Life
Scandinavian Yggdrasil
Ever since ancient times, evergreen trees have been highly revered as a
depiction of sexual potency and fertility, and took on an important role in winter celebrations. Maybe Christmas
trees are a lesser adaptation of the Scandinavian Yggdrasil, which is the mythological tree between heaven and
hell in the Northern Scandinavian culture known as the Great Tree of Life. In Northern Europe, the evergreen is a
welcome reminder that the lengthy dark nights of winter will end and the green fresh plant growth of spring will
come again. On December 17th the Roman feast Saturnalia commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god
Saturn. Romans would decorate their trees with suns, candles and small pieces of metal much as we do today when we
carry our trees into our homes and embellish them with modern and traditional Christmas ornaments and bright
lights.
Yule
Green Palms
Royal Connection
Throughout the winter solstice, Egyptians brought green palms into their homes to symbolise the triumphant conquest
of life over death. Living trees in large containers were taken into homes for the duration of the old German feast
of Yule. Prince Albert, husband and Consort of Queen Victoria, continued with the German tradition by adorning a
tree with candles, candies, fruits and gingerbread. Even though, in those times, generally adverse to anything
German in origin, the English public held enormous warmth for their Queen and soon adopted the Christmas Trees
custom for themselves.
Evergreen Trees For Christmas
Trees
| 
